Tamper-proof security clip



Judy 18, 1967 r H. RUSKIN TAMPERPROOF SECURITY CLIP Filed Nov. 25, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 HENRY RUSK IN A TTOR VEV H. RUSKIN TAMPER-PROOF SECURITY CLIP 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 25, 1964 w W m H ATTORNEY Jufiy i8, 119%? H. RUSKIN L TAMPER-PROOF SECURITY CLIP Filed Nov. 25, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 45 lNl EN TOR.

HENRY RUSK/N A TTORNEV Juiy 18, W5? H. RUSKIN 3,333,105

TAMPER-PROOF SECURITY CLIP Filed Nov. 25, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 /N I/EN TOR.

HENRY RUSK/N A T TORNEV ttes issues Patented July 18, 1967 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A tamper-proof security clip is shown in two variations. In one of the variations, a pair of normally spaced outwardly extending arms are connected to one another by a flexible bridge portion. Each of the arms has a projection thereupon extending forwardly and inwardly. One of the projections is wider than the other and the wider projection is provided with a recess which is engageable with the narrower projection on the other arm when the arms are brought into adjacent relationship and the projections are engaged with one another. The narrower projection is struck out of the material composing the adjacent arm so as to provide an additional recess. The additional recess is adapted to accommodate the corresponding projection of an adjacent security clip so that the clips can be nested into interconnected relationship.

The other variation of this invention includes a pair of normally spaced outwardly extending arms connected to one another by a flexible bridge portion. On each of the arms a plurality of fingers are carried. Each of the fingers form a protuberance. The protuberance on each of the fingers are interlockable. A holding portion is provided on each of the arms to support the adjacent security clip so as to provide means for nesting the clips in interconnecting relationship.

This invention relates to a tamper-proof security clip having considerably greater security than those heretofore manufactured.

The tamper-proof security clip of this invention is further applicable to be nested in interlocked relationship with other clips of the same type so that a strip of such clips can be placed within a fastening device specifically adapted to carry such clips and thereafter be disposed singly in interlocked relationship for securing purposes. The fastening device utilized to carry and drive said clips is disposed and claimed in a copending application, Ser. No. 415,029 filed Dec. 1, 1964.

The tamper-proof security clip of this invention is also simple and relatively inexpensive to manufacture so that the cost of such devices can be substantially reduced.

The tamper-proof security clip of this invention is also easily applied without fatigue to the worker applying the same.

The tamper-proof security clip of this invention may further be applied in a much more rapid manner than conventional devices thereby increasing the production of the workers applying the same.

The above constitutes a brief description of the instant invention and the objects and advantages thereof. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

The invention will now be described by reference to the drawings which are made a part of this specification.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the security clip of this invention in secured relationship about the interconnecting means disposed between the end portions of an elongated element.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the security clip of this invention in the position shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the security clip of this invention with the arm members thereof in open position on the scale shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the security clip of this invention shown in FIG. 3 taken along lines 44 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view, partly in section, of a plurality of security clips of this invention in nested interlocked relationship.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale of a security clip of this invention with the arm portions moved to partial interlocking relationship showing the manner in which the cam member of this invention and the projections commence their interlocking position.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 showing the position that the respective parts assume as the arm members continue to move into interlocking relationship.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7 showing a further step in the progression of movement of the arm members into interlocking relationship.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8 but showing the parts in the position that they assume when the arm members are moved into fully interlocked relationship.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative form of security clip of this invention with the arm members in open relationship.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the form of security clip shown in FIG. 10 with the arm members in interlocked relationship.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the form of security clip shown in FIG. 10 with the adjacent clip shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the form of clip shown in FIGS. 10-12 with the jaw members thereof in interlocked relationship.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the alternate form of security clip shown in FIGS. 10-13 with the jaws thereof in fully interlocked position.

The invention will now be described in detail by reference to the specific forms thereof shown in the drawings. While these forms represent the best modes known to the inventor of taking advantage of his invention the reader is cautioned to note the said specific forms shown are merely for illustrative purposes and for purposes of example only. Various changes and modifications can obviously be made within the spirit and scope of the invention and would occur to those skilled in this art.

The invention will first be described by reference to the form thereof shown in FIGS. 19, which represents the principal form of this invention.

In this form of the invention a security clip 11 is formed with a pair of arms 12 and 13 which are laterally interconnected with one another by a connecting portion 14. Portion 14 is formed with a score line 15 and a pair of oppositely disposed notches 16. An inwardly projecting rim 17 is provided along the edge portions of arm 12 other than the laterally connected edge and an inwardly projecting rim 18 is provided upon the edge portions of arm 13 other than the corresponding laterally connected edge.

Arm 12 is larger than arm 13 so that rims 17 and 18 may lie in abutting relationship when clip 11 is in secured position.

Arms 12 and 13 are normally angularly (preferably right angularly) disposed with respect to one another and bear normally separated free end portions 19 and 20 thereupon. Arms 12 and 13 are movable into interlocked position and, at that point, portions 19 and 20 are no longer separated from one another.

Arm 12 bears a projection 21 extending from free end portion 19 and arm 13 bears a projection 22 extending from free end portion 20. Projection 21 is provided with a recess 23 therewithin. Projections 21 and 22 are adapted to interlock when the clip of this invention is in securing relationship as will be subsequently explained.

Arm 13 is also provided with an additional projection 24 which is struck out of the material composing arm 13 so as to leave a recess 25 in arm 13. Projection 24 is, in effect, a cam.

Upon the underside of arm 12 adjacent projection 21 is a cam surface 26 which guides cam 24 when the arms of the slip are moved into securing relationship. A slot 27 is also provided on arm 12 adjacent cam surface 26.

Clips 11 are adapted to be placed in nested laterally aligned relationship with one another so as to be adapted to be fed from a magazine. In this relationship, as shown in FIG. 5, projection 24 of one clip fits into recess 25 of the preceding clip while projection 21 of the said clip fits into slot 27 of the preceding clip.

In order to prevent an accumulation of skew and to keep the clips in aligned relationship while in nested position recess 25 is deliberately made longer than the thickness of projection 24 but substantially equal in width (since projection 24 is struck out of recess 25). On the other hand slot 27 is made substantially equal to the thickness of projection 21 but substantially wider than the length of projection 21 at the narrowest point of this projection. This structure permits play between the parts in one direction but control of the parts in another direction with the play in opposite directions upon each of the arms. Thus deviations cancel themselves out and the strip of clips remains aligned.

In the preferred configuration of projection 21 the sides 30 are inwardly tapered from rear edge 31 to front edge 29. The width of slot 27 is greater than that of front edge 29 but less than that of rear edge 31. Thus projection 21 automatically seats itself in the correct position within the slot 27 in the preceding clip. Also, in the preferred modification of this invention, cam 24 is offset at 32 and projection 22 offset at 33.

The operation of this form of the invention will now be explained.

A strip 28 of clips 11 is placed within a driving device. As shown in the co-pending application this driving device is similar in many respects to a stapling plier. Arms 12 and 13 are placed .Within the jaws of the driving device and caused to embrace the interconnecting means 34 between the end portions 35 and 36 of an elongated element 37 which passes between an opening such as a buttonhole 38 in a garment 39 and an opening 40 within a tag 41.

The jaws of the driving device are then actuated which move free end portions 19 and 20, arms 12 and 13 towards one another. As this movement continues the parts move into the successive positions shown in FIGS. 6-9. Cam 24 contacts cam surface 26 and moves downwardly (FIG. 6). Projection 22 then interlocks with recess 23 of projection 21 (FIG. 7). Projection 22 then moves against the inner face of cam 24 (FIG. 8). The parts then are interlocked against one another in tamper-proof relationship.

In this relationship, in the preferred form of this invention, (FIG. 9) portions 17 and 18 are adjacent one another and lie upon element 37 for even greater security.

Since the parts are interlocked as shown it is practical ly impossible to separate the parts and put the clip back into its original interlocked form. Thus the interconnecting means 34 (such as a knot) cannot be undone and the tag removed from the garment.

In the alternative structure of this invention set forth in FIGS. -l4 the security clip 42 is formed with a pair of laterally interconnected arms 43 and 44. A plurality of outwardly extending fingers 45 are disposed upon arm 43 and an additional plurality of outwardly extending fingers 46 are disposed upon arm 44. A shield member 47 lies adjacent fingers 45 and an additional shield member 48 lies adjacent fingers 46.

A protuberance 49 projects from a finger 45 and a support 50 is disposed upon the nether side of a finger 45 adjacent a protuberance 49. An additional protuberance 51 complementary to protuberance 49 is carried by a finger 46 and an additional support 52 is disposed upon the nether side of finger 46.

In the preferred modification of this invention each of fingers 45 and 46 carry protuberances.

In the operation of this form of the invention a strip of clips is formed by the nesting of adjacent clips with one another (one of the protuberances 49 of a finger 45 lies upon a support 50 of the next preceding clip and one of the protuberances 51 lies upon a support 52 of the said next preceding clip.

As the clips are driven into securing relationship (in a manner similar to that employed with the clips of the principal form of this invention) fingers 45 abut shield member 48 and fingers 46 abut shield member 47. This causes fingers 45 and 46 to curl inwardly as shown in FIG. 13 and finally to assume the configurations shown in FIGS. 11 and 14.

In the preferred modification of this invention, where fingers 45 and 46 are substantially circular and are separated from one another by a distance no greater than /2 the diameter thereof, fingers 45 and 46 interlock with one another since they can pass one another in uncurled and partially curled relationship but not pass one another in curled relationship. This causes an even better interlock of fingers 45 and 46.

The foregoing sets forth the manner in which the objects of this invention are achieved.

I claim:

1. A strip member comprising a plurality of nested and aligned separable clip elements each comprising a pair of laterally interconnected outwardly and angularly extending movable arms having normally separated end portions thereupon, each of said arms carrying a projection and provided with an adjacent recess, the projections upon each of said arms normally fitting into the recess within the corresponding arm of the preceding clip but being removable therefrom when the free end portions of said clip are moved into adjacent position, said projections being thence engageable with one another when an element is separated from said strip.

2. A strip member comprising a plurality of nested and.

aligned separable security clip elements each having a pair of laterally interconnected outwardly and angularly extending arms, one of said arms having a first projection and a first recess and the other of said arms having a second projection and a second recess, said first projection of one arm adapted to fit into the first recess upon the corresponding arm of the preceding element, said second projection of said other arm adapted to fit into the second recess upon the corresponding arm of the same preceding element, said first recess being substantially larger in a first direction than said first projection but substantially equal to said first projection in a second direction, said second recess being substantially equal to said second projection in said first direction but substantially larger than said second projection in said second direction.

3. A strip member comprising a plurality of nested and aligned separable interlocked security clip elements each having a pair of laterally interconnected outwardly and angularly extending movable arms, one of said arms having a lanced first projection and having a first adjacent recess provided by such lancing, the other of said arms having a second projection and provided with a second recess, the first projection of one arm adapted to fit into the first recess upon the corresponding arm of the preceding element, the second projection of said other arm adapted to fit into the second recess upon the corresponding arm of the preceding element, said first recess being and aligned separable interlocked security clip elements each having a pair of laterally interconnected outwardly and angularly extending movable arms, one of said arms having a lanced first projection and provided with a first adjacent recess formed by such lancing, the other of said arms having a second inwardly tapered projection and said arm also provided with a second recess, the first projection of one of said arms adapted to fit into the first recess and the second projection of said other arm adapted to fit into the second recess upon the corresponding arms of the preceding element, said first recess being substantially larger in length than the thickness of said projection but substantially equal in width thereto, said second recess being substantially wider than the narrowest tapered portion of said second projection but substantially equal in thickness thereto.

5. A tamper-proof security clip comprising a pair of angularly disposed laterally interconnected arm members having normally spaced free end portions thereupon, a plurality of substantially circular spaced finger members projecting outwardly from and carried by each of said end portions, each of said finger members forming a protuberance, the protuberances upon the finger members carried by one of said arms being complementary and deformably interlockable with the projections upon the finger members carried by the other arm when said free end portions are brought into adjacent interconnected relationship.

6. A strip of tamper-proof security clips in nested elongated relationship, said strip comprising a plurality of tamper-proof security clips, each comprising a pair of angularly disposed laterally interconnected arm members having normally spaced free end portions thereupon, a plurality of substantially circular spaced finger means projecting outwardly from and carried by each of said end portions, each of said finger members forming a protuberance, and a holding portion behind each of said end portions adjacent a finger member adapted to support a corresponding protuberance upon a finger member of a preceding clip.

7. A tamper-proof security clip comprising a pair of angularly disposed laterally interconnected arm members having normally spaced free end portions thereupon, a plurality of substantially spaced finger members projecting outwardly from and carried by each of said end portions, the spacing between said finger members being less than the size thereof, a finger member upon each of said arms carrying a protuberance, the protuberance upon the finger member carried by one of said arms being complementary and deformably interlockable with the protuberance upon the finger member carried by the other arm when said free end portions are brought into adjacent interlaced relationship.

8. A tamper-proof security clip comprising a pair of angularly disposed laterally interconnected arm members I having normally spaced free end portions thereupon, a plurality of substantially spaced finger members projecting outwardly from and carried by each of said end portions, the spacing between said finger members being less than the size thereof, a finger member upon each of said arms carrying a protuberance, the protuberance upon the finger member'carried by one of said arms being complementary and deformably interlockable with the protuberance upon the finger member carried by the other arm when said free end portions are brought into adjacent interconnected relationship, and means upon each of said arm members for supporting a corresponding projection of an adjacent clip.

9. A tamper-proof security clip comprising a pair of angularly disposed laterally interconnected arm members having normally spaced free end portions thereupon, a plurality of pairs of substantially circular spaced finger members projecting outwardly from and carried by each of said end portions, each of the finger members upon each of said arms forming a protuberance, the protuberance of a finger member of one of said arms being complementary and deformably interlockable with a protuberance of a finger member of the other of said arms when said free end portions are brought into adjacent interconnected relationship, and a shield member portion of each of said arms adjacent and overlying said finger members.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,727,754 9/ 1929 Dessauer 2923 07 X 1,945,965 2/1934 Behrman 292-307 2,610,878 9/1952 Brooks 292--3 10 2,662,789 12/1953 Stoffell 292-322 3,027,665 4/1962 St. John 292-307 X FOREIGN PATENTS 212,141 1/ 1958 Australia. 1,035,560 7/ 1958 Germany.

841,061 7/1960 Great Britain.

MARVIN A. CHAMPION, Primary Examiner. RICHARD E. MOORE, Examiner. 

5. A TAMPER-PROOF SECURITY CLIP COMPRISING A PAIR OF ANGULAR DISPOSED LATERALLY INTERCONNECTED ARM MEMBERS HAVING NORMALLY SPACED FREE END PORTIONS THEREUPON, A PLURALITY OF SUBSTANTIALLY CIRCULAR SPACED FINGER MEMBERS PROJECTING OUTWARDLY FROM AND CARRIED BY EACH OF SAID END PORTIONS, EACH OF SAID FINGER MEMBERS FORMING A PROTURBERANCE, THE PROTUBERANCES UPON THE FINGER MEMBERS CARRIED BY ONE OF SAID ARMS BEING COMPLEMENTARY AND DEFORMABLY INTERLOCKABLE WITH THE PROJECTIONS UPON THE FINGER MEMBERS CARRIED BY THE OTHER ARM WHEN SAID FREE END PORTIONS ARE BROUGHT INTO ADJACENT INTERCONNECTED RELATIONSHIP. 